Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Eric C. Mortimer’s Jump Start 2025 program. As part of this transformational experience, we were posed a question that hit me like a lightning bolt:
“If you only had 30 days to live, what would you do?”
It’s a question that forces you to pause, take stock of your life, and dig deep into what truly matters. For me, the answer came quickly and with surprising clarity—I thought of my nephews and nieces.
In that moment of reflection, I realized just how much these incredible young people mean to me. They’ve brought so much joy, laughter, and meaning into my life, and I wanted to make sure they knew just how deeply they are appreciated. I decided to write them a heartfelt letter.
In the letter, I shared my love and gratitude for each of them, expressing my pride in who they’ve become. I also took the opportunity to invite them to an exciting milestone coming up this summer: Aunty Tina and I are celebrating 40 years of marriage with a vow renewal ceremony!
But more than anything, the exercise reminded me of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of saying what needs to be said while we can. We often assume there will be time “later” to express our love or make those meaningful connections. But what if “later” never comes?
The question Eric posed to us—what would you do with 30 days?—wasn’t just a hypothetical. It was a call to action, a reminder to live with intention and purpose every single day.
What Would You Do?
If you had only 30 days left, how would you spend them?
Would you travel? Reconnect with loved ones? Say the things you’ve been holding back.
For me, it would be about relationships—about spending time with the people I love most, sharing laughs, making memories, and celebrating the beauty of life together.
But your answer might be different, and that’s the beauty of this question. It’s deeply personal yet universally powerful. It strips away the noise of daily life and brings us back to what truly matters.
Live Today Like It Matters
You don’t need to wait for a dramatic moment or a life-altering question to start living intentionally. Take a moment now to reflect: What truly brings you joy? Who do you need to connect with? What’s one thing you can do today that your future self will thank you for?
Life is precious, and none of us knows how much time we have. But one thing is certain: the time to live, love, and appreciate the people around us is now.
So, if you haven’t already, take some time today to think about your “30 days.” And if someone you love comes to mind, don’t wait—reach out to them, write them a letter, or simply tell them how much they mean to you.
After all, life’s most meaningful moments are the ones we share with the people who matter most.
With love and intention,
Neil
